Talk with your kids
about condoms
The latex condom is the only form of birth control that provides
protection against both pregnancy and most sexually transmitted
diseases. While not infallible, using a prophylactic correctly is
much safer than not using one. The optimal safety strategy, if
abstinence is not chosen, calls for the male to wear a condom, while
his female partner uses any of the three hormonal methods: the pill,
Depo-Provera or Norplant.

One of the most heartening changes in young
peoples sexual habits is that boys have begun to share
responsibility for birth control. When Brookings 8th graders
were ask if they or their partner used a condom the last time they
had sexual intercourse, 38% replied yes. Of 11th graders the number
went up to 64%.

Even so, too many boys try to squirm their
way out of donning a prophylactic before sexual activity.It ruins the spontaneity.It dulls the sensation. (See 23
more at
http://bit.ly/1Bdgclm)

Girls, too, may have an aversion to condoms,
though the reasons typically have less to do with physical pleasure
than with the stigma often associated with this much-maligned form of
contraception.

Some young women, for example, say that
using rubbers makes them feel cheap, when in fact they
should congratulate themselves for being sexually responsible. Others
worry that to keep a few condoms in their purse or backpack, just in
case, might be misconstrued as a sign that theyre easily coaxed
into bed or that seduction was on their agenda all along. Its
been found that adolescents who carry condoms are nearly three times
more likely to use them for protection during intercourse.

When discussing birth control with
teenagers, the message is the same for sons as it is for daughters:
to have intercourse without a prophylactic, even once, could
potentially derail their future and possibly even cost them their
lives. They need to inform any and all sexual partners that no condom
means no sexno excuses, no exceptions.

Teenagers still believe they can
tell who has HIV and who doesnt. The line from boys
and girls is, "I can look in a persons eyes and know. The
fact is, we cant confirm anyones monogamy but our own. We
trust our romantic partner to be both true and truthful, but a study
that surveyed about two hundred HIV-positive patients at a pair of
New England hospitals revealed that four in ten of the infected men
and women admitted theyd never informed their partners of their
condition. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of them did not always wear
a condom.

Arming our sons and daughters with
information can help them face down the pressure to have sex without
condomsor to have sex at all.

23 Reasons Not to Use Condoms

The following lists 23 reason given for not wanting to use a condom,
and possible responses.

Reason: I don't use condoms.Answer: OK. Then let's think of ways we can satisfy each
other without intercourse.Or: I never make love without a condom. No glove, no
love.

Reason: I forgot it.Answer: Forget it.

Reason: I don't have a condom with me.Answer: The drug store up the street is open all night.
Let's go buy some.Or: I have one.Or: Let's wait until we're prepared

Reason: It's embarrassing to buy them.Answer: Let's buy a big box. That way we won't have to
buy them for some time.

Reason: Condoms are too expensive.Answer: Let's share the cost.Or: Let's skip the movie Saturday and we can buy several
dozen.Or: I'll pay for them. The peace of mind is worth it.Or: Let's stop by the family planning clinic. Condoms are
free there.

Reason: I'm allergic to themAnswer: Let's try another brand or a different lubricant
or Spermicide.Or: I'm allergic to sperm. It could make me 'break out'
in STDs and sometimes even pregnancy.

Reason: They look ugly.
Answer: Come here, big boy. I love the way you look in that
color.Or: I think you look incredibly sexy. Seeing you in a
condom really turns me on.

Reason: But we've been having sex without condoms.Answer: I know we could enjoy each other more if I
didn't have to worry.Or: That doesn't mean it's not a good idea from now
on.

Reason: Condoms taste terrible.Answer: Let's try some of those new flavored condoms.

Reason: They're too dry. They make sex
uncomfortable.Answer: Let's try lubricated condoms. If they still feel
dry, we can use some K-Y Jelly or Astro Glide.

Reason: I'm a virgin.Answer: I'm not. This way we'll both be protected.

Reason: I'm on the pill. Trust me.Answer: I do trust you; it's the pill I'm worried about.
Let's play it safe.Or: The pill works great for preventing pregnancy, but
condoms can protect us from infections we might not even know we
have.

Reason: It's embarrassing to buy condoms and carry
them.Answer: If we're too embarrassed to deal with condoms,
then we're probably not ready for sex.Or: Carrying condoms is less embarrassing that carrying a baby
if we aren't ready to be parents.

Reason: I wouldn't give you a disease.Answer: I know you wouldn't intentionally, but either of
us could have an infection and not know it. Why take chances?

Reason: Sex isn't as good. I can't feel much with a
condom on. It's like wearing a raincoat in the shower. They're fake,
unnatural, a total turnoff.Answer: There's plenty of feeling left, and I wouldn't
feel safe without it.Or: You're right. Condoms do reduce the sensitivity for
both of us a little, but that's not all bad. It gives us a chance to
concentrate on other parts of our bodies.Or: Please let's try to work this out - an infection
doesn't feel so great either. If we use a condom we'll both relax and
that will make our lovemaking better. (It may help you last longer,
too.)Or: Honey, you won't feel anything unless we use a
condom.

Reason: Condoms don't work that well. I can still get
pregnant.Answer: No birth control method is 100% affective. Let's use
some foam with nonoxynol-9 too. Foam and condoms together are about
99% safe.Or: Condoms are a very good method as long as we don't
forget to use one every time.

Reason: I'm sure it's safe at this time of the
month.Answer: There is no safe time when it comes to STDs.Or: That's what my sister thought. Now I'm an uncle.Or: Let's really be safe, not sorry.

Reason: Putting it on breaks the mood. It's not
romantic. I'll lose my erection by the time I stop and put it on.Answer: It doesn't have to break the mood. I'll help you
put it on - that'll help you keep it.Or: It's not romantic when I'm scared about getting
pregnant or sick.

Reason: I'm afraid to ask him to use a condom. He'll
think I don't trust him.Answer: If you can't ask him, you probably don't trust
him

Reason: Just this once.Answer: Once is all it takes.

Reason: You carry a condom around with you? You
were planning to seduce me!Answer: I always carry one with me because I care about
myself. I have one with me tonight because I care about us both.

Reason: It's up to him...it's his decision.Answer: It's your health. It should be your decision,
too!

Reason: None of my other boyfriends use a condom.
A Real Man isn't afraid.Answer: Please don't compare me to them. A Real Man
cares about his partner, himself and their relationship.

Reason 24: A big reason for wearing a condom:

Reason 25: Because you really want a child, you are
financially prepared and able, and you're psychological prepared to
raise a child not knowing really what it entails.

It's not known for sure where the name "condom" came from, but it may
have been derived from a word of Latin origin: "condus," which means
a vessel or a container. Perhaps it was naemd this because it was
first aimed to hold the semen and bacteria/viruses of diseases that
are sexually transmitted without letting them enter in the another
partners body.

The first public demonstration of the condoms is recorded to be
around 15th century. It was made and used first in Italy. The name of
the person who used it first was Gabrielle. The purpose of making
condom was to prevent infection of the disease, Syphilis. Although
protection was already being used against diseases centuries earlier,
Gabrielle was trying to bring it more to people's attention.

Gabrielle used linen as the basic substance in making a condom. As
it was a public demonstration; he conducted experiment with a group
of over thousand people to prove that the thing that he made was very
useful against Syphilis.

A thread of condom history also comes from Rome, where the
warriors wore the tubes on their penis which they obtained from the
intestines of enemies they killed. Sometimes they wore the intestinal
tubes of animals like sheep, goat etc. With the reference from
history, by 1700, condom was realized for its use. Many shops were
raised to sell condoms.

Records indicate that as early as 1000 BCE, the ancient Egyptians
used a linen sheath, tied at the base with ribbon, for protection
against disease, while the Chinese are known to have used oiled silk
paper. These materials were used for centuries.

The oldest condoms ever found date back to 1640 and were excavated
near Birmingham, England. They were made of fish and animal
intestine.

In 16th century Italy, Gabrielle Fallopius authored the
first-known published description of prophylactic condom use.
Fallopius conducted trials among 1,100 men using a sheath made of
linen; none of the men became infected with syphilis. During this
period, protection was also improved by soaking the cloth sheaths in
a chemical solution and allowing them to dry prior to use  the
first use of a spermicide on condoms.The condoms usefulness in
preventing pregnancy was recognized in the 1700s.

Condoms made out of animal intestines became widely available in
Europe, but were costly and often reused. In 19th century Japan, the
Japanese had condoms made from two other materials: one made of thin
leather and the other of thin tortoise shells or horns.

The mass-production of rubbers began after 1844 and
the invention of vulcanization, a process that turns crude rubber
into a strong elastic material.These were as thick as inner tubes,
had a seam, and deteriorated rapidly. Latex manufacturing processes
improved sufficiently in the 1930s to produce single-use condoms
almost as thin and inexpensive as the ones used today.

The reservoir tip on the latex condom was introduced in the early
1950s, textured condoms in 1973. In 1994, Polyurethane emerged as an
alternative to latex, leading to the development of both male condoms
for latexsensitive people and the female condom.Source: www.clickmagazine.net/cm/Articles_Template.asp?Article=676

Condoms Make Sense

These days everybody knows using condoms is a good idea because they
make sex safer. Condoms help to protect both partners from pregnancy
and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. The only thing
safer is abstinence. So, if you choose to have vaginal, anal, or oral
sex, using a condom or dental damn is the first step to a healthy
relationship.

Keep in mind, however, that condoms can fail. Condoms have a 16%
annual failure rate [1]. After just four years you can bet on
having an accidental pregnancy and after 20 years of using condoms,
the chances are that a man will most likely experience not one, not
two, but three accidental pregnancies!

Just a few years ago, American condom manufacturers were trying to
sell condoms like parachutes: You wouldn't jump out of a plane
without one, would you? (Trojan print ad, circa 1996) Only recently
have condom manufacturers begun to realize a key fact that had been
previously overlooked: Condoms are about sex and sex is supposed to
feel good.

On the eve of the new millennium, the condom industry is finally
experiencing a renaissance. After decades of stagnation and centuries
of experimentation, technology, and design innovation finally have
converged to produce some sensational (pun intended) condoms. New
shapes, materials and designs are arousing interest across the world,
and for good reason - several new condoms mean that safer sex really
can be pleasurable sex.

The new arrivals are long overdue. For hundreds of years condoms
were made from all sorts of stuff. The Chinese made condoms out of
oiled silk paper, Europeans used fish bladders, and Egyptians used
papyrus soaked in water. Through most of the 18th and 19th centuries,
lamb intestines were the preferred condom material. Legend even has
it that Casanova was a big fan of natural lambskins. While baby
boomers may know condoms as "rubbers," it wasn't until 1843, when
Goodyear vulcanized rubber, that the latex condom was born.

Throughout the technological revolution, Americans invented
televisions, built computers and sent men to the moon, but the
American condom industry stood still. That finally began to change
about 10 years ago, prompted by the threat of serious competition
from the Japanese. In the early '90s, a few sensuous Japanese
ultra-thin condoms, like Kimono MicroThin and Crown arrived in
America and turned the condom market on its head. These sexy imports
were substantially thinner than their American counterparts, and thus
far more popular with consumers who (shockingly) wanted sensation and
sensitivity while having sex.

The U.S. condom market responded to the Japanese with condoms that
promised safety and performance. In 1997, LifeStyles introduced the
LifeStyles Xtra Pleasure featuring a domelike top to increase
sensation. Trojan even caught on and introduced its "pleasure"
condom, Ultra Pleasure in 1998. Only in the last year, however, has
the true Condom Promised Land appeared to emerge. Three revolutionary
new condoms are leading the way, and changing forever the condom
industry.

The return of the long-missed Pleasure Plus has generated amazing
excitement. The Pleasure Plus was originally introduced in 1993 by an
ingenious Indian physician by the name of Dr. A.V.K. Reddy, whom the
New York Times called the "Leonardo da Vinci" of condoms. After many
years of study and analysis, Reddy designed the first condom that
would emphasize sensation and pleasure, based on the neuro-anatomy of
the penis. Simply put, Reddy created a condom that was looser-fitting
in the exact area of the penis where most of the nerve endings are
located. The loose fit at the tip of the condom allowed the nerve
endings to remain at their most sensitive, while the friction caused
by the extra moving latex produced additional sensation. The Pleasure
Plus quickly became a big hit.

Unfortunately, due to some financial troubles, the Pleasure Plus
disappeared in 1995. For years people awaited its return, and that
much-hoped-for day has produced a tremendous response. A new company
has obtained the original patents and has started to make this
prophylactic gem once more. Condomania has already received thousands
of orders for the Pleasure Plus.

Meanwhile, Reddy went back to the drawing board to design a condom
that he believed would rival his original creation. After another
four years of development, the inSpiral arrived this year to rave
reviews. Like the Pleasure Plus, the inSpiral features a looser fit
to enhance sensation -- this time in the form of bulging pouches that
appear to twist their way to the top of the condom. Reddy believes
that this new design adds an additional dynamic element that further
enhances sensation, and the thousands of Condomania customers --
especially women -- who've already ordered the inSpirals definitely
seem to agree.

Picking up where the Avanti left off, Trojan has joined the
polyurethane game with its introduction of the Supra this month. Back
in 1995, Durex introduced the world's first polyurethane condom for
men, Avanti. Avanti went on to consistently rank among the world's
most popular brands, especially for those who are allergic to latex.
Polyurethane possesses some unique benefits: it is heat conductive
(warming to body temperature), has no taste or odor, and, unlike
latex, can be used safely with oil-based lubricants.

Like the Avanti, the new Supra boasts all the unique qualities and
advantages of polyurethane. Unlike the Avanti, however, Supra is a
bit softer and more comfortable. Most incredibly, Supra's Microsheer
polyurethane is super clear -- the world's first invisible
condom!

The Pleasure Plus, inSpiral and Supra condoms have generated
increased excitement in an industry that needs it. Safer sex has
never looked -- or felt -- better! Look for the condoms mentioned
here at your local drugstore or contact Condomania at
1.800.9CONDOM.

Knowing what's best for our health and doing something about it can
be two different things. Even bringing up the subject can be hard.
Here are some suggestions:

Think about what you want to say ahead of time. Sort out your
own feelings about using condoms before you talk with your
partner.

Choose a time to talk before that first intimate moment.
Getting things straight before you make love means you'll both be
prepared and relaxed.

Decide how you want to start the conversation. You might say,
"I need to talk with you about something that's important to both
of us," or "I've been hearing a lot lately about safer sex. Have
you ever tried condoms?" or "I feel kind of embarrassed, but
I can too much about you not to talk about this."

Remember, starting to talk is the hardest part. Don't be
surprised if your partner responds with "I'm glad you brought it
up. I was worried too," or "I like sharing the responsibility of
sex. I appreciate someone who is willing to let me."

Once you've both agreed to use condoms, do something positive and
fun. Go to the store together. Buy lots of different brands and
colors. Plan a special day when you can experiment. Just talking
about how you'll use all those condoms can be a turn-on.

An Ounce of Prevention

It might surprise you to learn that sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) are among the most common communicable diseases in the world.
In fact, every year millions of Americans get STDs, which are passed
from one person to another primarily, but not exclusively, through
sexual contact. And as you probably already know, many of these
diseases are not only incurable, but in the case of HIV/AIDS,
fatal.

There are a number of contraceptive choices which may change
throughout your life. To decide which method to use now, consider how
well each one will work for you:

How well will it fit into your lifestyle?

How effective will it be?

How safe will it be?

How affordable will it be?

How reversible will it be?

Will it help prevent sexually transmitted infections?

Proper use of a latex condom every time you have sexual contact,
not only helps prevent possibility of pregnancy, but is also one of
the best possible methods apart from abstinence to help protect
yourself from most known STDs.

It's true, one of the safest and most effective methods of helping
to prevent pregnancy without abstaining from sexual intercourse, is
also one of the safest and healthiest ways of helping to protect
yourself from STDs. And using condoms properly is the purpose of this
web site.

How to Use a Condom

Important: If used properly, latex condoms will help to reduce
the risk of transmission of HIV infection (AIDS) and many other
sexually transmitted diseases, including Chlamydia, genital herpes,
genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and syphilis.

Before Sex:

Use a new condom every time you have sex - before foreplay, before
penis gets anywhere near any body opening. (To avoid exposure to any
body fluid that can carry infection.) Handle condom gently.

Put the condom on as soon as the penis is hard. Be sure rolled-up
ring is on the outside. And leave space at the tip to hold semen when
you come.

Squeeze tip gently so no air is trapped inside. Hold tip while you
unroll the condom...all the way down to the hair.

If the condom doesn't unroll, it's on wrong. Throw it away. Start
over with a new one.

After sex:

Pull out slowly right after you come, while the penis is still
hard. Hold condom in place on the penis to avoid spilling semen. Turn
and move completely away before you let go of the condom.

Dispose of used condom properly, NOT in the toilet. And no more
sex without a new condom.

If a condom breaks and semen spills or leaks, don't panic. But
quickly wash semen away with soap and water.

Tips for Success

Wash hands - as well as penis, vagina, and surrounding areas -
before and after sex. This cuts the chance of infection.

Never let a condom touch oil in any form - no petroleum jelly,
no baby oil, no mineral oil, no vegetable oil, not even talcum
powder. Oil rots rubber.

If you want lubrication, use something water-based. (Like
K-Y Jelly or Astro Glide.)

Keep unused condoms in their packs in a cool, dry place. (Not
a wallet.)

If a new condom feels sticky or stiff or looks damaged in any
way, throw it away - use a fresh one.

Warning: A very small number of
users are sensitive or allergic to latex rubber, Spermicide or
lubricants. If you or your partner have had any reaction to latex
rubber, spermicide or lubricants, stop use and see your doctor.

Having Fun With Condoms

You don't like wearing condoms? You will now! Have fun, put a big
smile on her face, while being safe at the same time!

Get her to laugh and have fun in the bedroom. Here are a few ways
you can have fun with condoms. Who says wearing condoms isn't
fun?!

Glow in The Dark Condoms

You're kidding, right?" Would we kid you?

Walk in a dark room glowing while she is laying in bed waiting for
you. She'll see a floating penis heading her way! And if she tells
you to get out, you can always use the light to find your
clothes.

Be sure you wear a reputable condom underneath the glow in the
dark condom. Or should we just go ahead and start calling you
"daddy"?

Flavored Condoms

Mmmmm, yum! Give her the taste test. "Guess what flavor this is,
honey!" It's a taste she'll want have hanging around in her
mouth.

Colored Condoms

What's her favorite color again? While she's in the kitchen
cooking, or wherever, walk in wearing a condom in her favorite color,
and say, "Honey, I forgot your favoirte color. Could this possibly be
it?"

Be sure she turns the stove off before she hops on you like a girl
on a circus pony.

Laos Pulls Goldfish-In-A-Condom Ad As Too
ExplicitAn advertisement that depicts a woman carrying a goldfish in a
water-filled condom has been pulled from television in communist Laos
after authorities deemed it too explicit, a U.S.-based voluntary
group that sells the condoms said.Source: www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC000/333/333/353893.html

The world of forensic science brings us the Consent Condom. Intended
as an anti-date-rape device, the spaceage sheath works like
this: The woman tears open the package and removes the inner
sleeve, which records her fingerprints, signaling her consent. Next,
she documents the date by tearing through the numbers that run down
its sides. Effective? Yes. But is it a mood
killer?" "Science may not be sexy, but then again, neither are
accusations," says inventor David Morrow. MORE

There are a lot of myths and fallacies out there on the subject of
safer sex. Sometimes, the answers to your questions aren't always
clear-cut. But we want you to have as much information as possible to
help you make informed decisions about your sex life. That's why
we've put Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an infectious disease specialist at
the San Francisco Dept. of Public Health , at your service. Chances
are, your most pressing questions have already been answered. If not,
send Dr. Klausner a question, and we'll do our best to post his
answer. NOTE: Dr. Klausner is not associated with, nor sponsored by,
any of the advertisers on Gay.com or PlanetOut.

Dear Dr. K,

Lately I've been having problems getting an erection while wearing
a condom. Because of this I've been tempted to top a guy bare. How
can I fix this before I end up in a risky situation?

It sounds like you might be putting a lot of pressure on yourself
to top. Are there other ways you can still get off with someone while
being safe? Also consider asking yourself why all of a sudden you are
"not feeling it" while wearing a condom. Sometimes when we're
mentally stressed or depressed, our penises work differently (or just
don't work).

Another idea is to practice jacking off with a condom to make it
easier to get hard when you're wearing a condom with a partner. You
may want to see a doctor to talk about other things that could be
making getting hard difficult, such as medications. Anti-depressants
often have sexual side effects that can lower the chances of getting
and staying hard. Other things that can make getting or sustaining
erections difficult include poor blood flow to the penis.

Barebacking is a high-risk
activity when it comes to getting and spreading HIV and other STDs.
The only sure way to protect yourself during anal sex is by using
condoms correctly and consistently.

Ten's of thousands have already been sold in Japan and Europe. Now
Madonna Condoms are coming to the U.S. Sure to be collector's items,
Madonna Condoms feature a photograph from her famous 1979 photo
shoot, Madonna Nudes, on the boxes and condom wrappers. A 3-pack for
$2.95. Click here to get
yours!

* * *
We all worry about the population explosion, but we don't worry about
it at the right time. - Arthur Hope